A Calgary mom said she was compelled to come forward with her own son’s story, following troubling images of children suffering what appear to be chemical burns after using Banana Boat sunscreen.
Health Canada launched an investigation after a handful of families came forward alleging their children developed adverse reactions to sunscreen — specifically Banana Boat products.
Lynsey Bower said her five-year-old son, Jakob developed a concerning reaction almost immediately after applying a Banana Boat sunscreen stick last summer.
“When I first saw it I immediately thought, ‘Oh my gosh,’ and it solidified it was the sunscreen that he was reacting to,” Bowers told Global News.
Her nanny used the sunscreen on the boy, who she said has sensitive skin.
“He started to swell up like a balloon and was red and puffy and got this awful rash.”
Banana Boat said in a statement it is aware of complaints.
“We are concerned when any person encounters a reaction using Banana Boat products. We take all of our consumers’ concerns seriously and investigate all cases when we are contacted,” the statement said.
Healthcare professionals say there is a worry parents will be so freaked out by the adverse reaction that they’ll avoid sunscreen altogether.
Pharmacist My Hoang said there are other variables to consider, such as the quantity of the product applied to the skin, possible allergies and exposure to the sun after the product was applied.
“People should not be afraid of sunscreen, and be aware that’s not the only thing — there are other factors that can contribute to things like reactions,” Hoang said.
Researchers who study the molecules and ingredients in sunscreen say it’s been tried and tested for years with virtually no reaction.
University of Calgary’s associate professor of chemistry, Belinda Heyne said simple checks on labels will help protect consumers.
The best protection is to avoid direct sunlight and try and be covered in the sun.